The mossy clearing opened straight into the dense thicket of twisted woods, the trees pulling back just enough to let in a sliver of pale sunlight. Dew glistened on the ferns, and somewhere above, a crow cried out—sharp and distant.
Rian dropped against a broad, moss-covered rock with an exaggerated groan. "Gonna carve 'Rian died here from walking too much' into this stone if we don't stop moving soon."
He looked up, smirking—only to meet Yara's flat stare. Her arms were crossed, her fingers still glowing faintly with crackling blue magic.
Yara shot him a look, sharp and tired. Her golden eyes still glowed faintly from residual magic. "Rian."
He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, catching his breath.
